Description
This Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly meal made with juicy chicken, pineapple, and a savory-sweet BBQ sauce. It requires only 5 ingredients and minimal prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or fresh)
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (honey BBQ or your favorite brand)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (optional, for added depth)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 diced bell pepper (red, green, or yellow for extra color & sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (for an extra tropical twist!)
- ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (for smoky flavor!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Spray your crockpot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, BBQ sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
- Pour the BBQ-pineapple mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Add drained crushed pineapple and mix lightly.
- If using, add diced bell peppers, red pepper flakes, or grated ginger for extra flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving and let it thicken.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Shred the chicken with two forks or leave it whole.
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or extra pineapple chunks for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
✅ Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor – They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
✅ Want More Sauce? – Double the sauce ingredients for extra glaze!
✅ Make it Spicy! – Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat.
✅ For a Healthier Option – Use low-sugar BBQ sauce and honey instead of brown sugar.
✅ Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Category: dinner
- Cuisine: Hawaiian, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g